AirPods 4 Vs. AirPods Pro 2: Which Earbuds With ANC Are Best?
We evaluate the similarities and differences of the Apple Air Pods 4 vs. the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailer
I'm the consumer tech and electronics editor at Forbes Vetted, and also a huge self-professed audiophile (and classically trained musician), and I've tested both the Apple AirPods 4 and the Apple AirPods Pro 2. Here's what you need to know when choosing between the AirPods 4 versus the AirPods Pro 2, from design to performance and more.
Amazon Apple AirPods 4 With ANC
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Battery life: Up to 30 hours (including case) | Wireless charging case: Yes | Waterproof rating: IP54 | Drivers: Unknown | Noise-canceling: Yes
Best for: Casual listening and commuting
Staying smack-dab in the Apple ecosystem without spending a ton
Skip if: You want the absolute best of the best Apple earbuds
You need silicone ear tips for stability and fit
Amazon Apple AirPods Pro 2
Forbes Vetted
Forbes Vetted ratings are based on thorough evaluations by our editorial team to help you choose the best products with confidence.
Battery life: Up to 30 hours (including case) | Wireless charging case: Yes | Waterproof rating: IP54 | Drivers: Unknown | Noise-canceling: Yes
Best for: Tuning out the world around you with impressive noise cancellation
A more secure fit, thanks to customizable silicone ear tips
Listeners with minor hearing loss
Skip if: You don't want to spend too much on your earbuds
The extras, like Hearing Aid and enhanced ANC, aren't necessary for your listening
When placing the Apple AirPods 4 and the Apple AirPods Pro 2 side by side, they look very similar. They both feature a sleek, slim white build that includes a vent, an acoustic outlet and a stem where you can control the earbuds. It's a very signature Apple design that looks lovely.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 (left) has a silicone ear tip. The Apple AirPods 4 (right) do not offer this ... More ear tip. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes
But there are a few differences in the design that are also equally apparent. For one, the Apple AirPods 4 lack something that's only on the AirPods Pro 2: silicone ear tips. In my Apple AirPods 4 review , I noted that I didn't experience any issue with the fit—the AirPods 4 feel stable in my ears when worn, but I wouldn't necessarily wear them on a treadmill. That said, it's hard to put a price on the silicone ear tips, which give an extra secure fit. The AirPods Pro 2 offer multiple ear tips, including an extra small size, to help you land a comfortable, secure fit for your ear size. That's hard to pass up.
There's also the matter of the case size. The AirPods 4 case is smaller and can more easily fit into my pocket. In contrast, the AirPods Pro 2 case is slightly larger to accommodate the slightly larger design—or, in other words, those silicone ear tips and slightly bigger battery (and more on the latter in a minute).
The AirPods Pro 2 have a slightly larger case than the AirPods 4 to accommodate a slightly larger ... More battery. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes
After testing both, if you're not worried about keeping them in your ears at the gym, the AirPods 4 are a great choice. However, if you need a more secure fit, opt for the AirPods Pro 2. No matter which set you choose, the sleek design looks great in your ears. AirPods 4 Vs. AirPods Pro 2: Audio Similar—But The Pros Edge Out Its Sibling
I've listened to hours of music and watched plenty of TVs shows across multiple platforms on both pairs of AirPods. And if there's one feature Apple nails consistently with both, it's the audio quality, but it comes with a caveat. Neither pair of AirPods offers any sort of EQ adjustment; instead, you listen to a series of presets (found under the accessibility settings) to find your preferred listening 'EQ.'
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 jut out from the ears a little bit thanks to the built-in stem. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes
In building their audio framework this way, both AirPods have a consistent audio quality, so much so that they sound very similar as I listened across multiple genres. That said, when comparing audio quality, the AirPods Pros 2s edge out the AirPods 4. They simply nail bass frequencies better than the AirPods 4 do, and that's important if you're listening to bass-heavy genres and artists. It's also partially why I named the AirPods Pro 2 as some of the best wireless earbuds you can buy right now. Still, that's far from a knock against the AirPods 4. These more affordable earbuds still showcase a darn good audio quality. But if you're an audiophile, the AirPods Pro 2 should be your preference here. One Offers Hearing Health And Improved Noise Cancellation
Apple also introduced multiple hearing aid features into the Apple AirPods Pro 2. You can take a hearing test to determine how much (if any) hearing loss you have. If you have hearing loss, the AirPods can use what Apple calls 'Hearing Aid' to act as a literal hearing aid. Keep in mind that it's designed for 'mild to moderate hearing loss,' according to Apple , so those with severe hearing loss may want to look elsewhere. Still, it's an impressive feature that's unique to the AirPods Pro 2.
The Apple AirPods 4 offer ANC and are, for the most part, stable in my ears. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes
Also, remember that silicone ear tip on the Apple AirPods Pro 2? Both pairs offer ANC, but that silicone ear tip helps to further seal out noise. If you're particularly sensitive to ambient noise, it can mean the difference between finding your zen and hearing some distracting din around you. If having the best ANC is a must-have, then opt for the AirPods Pro 2. But the AirPods 4 are still a great choice for a value option that also happens to have ANC.
It's also worth noting that the controls for your audio are a little different on each. The AirPods Pro 2 use touch controls, while the AirPods 4 use a 'force sensor,' a.k.a. a button. Both work just fine, but if you're fully on Team Touch Controls, the AirPods Pro 2 are the better choice for you. AirPods 4 Vs. AirPods Pro 2: Battery One Lasts A Little Longer
It should come as no surprise that the AirPods Pro 2 edge out the AirPods 4 when it comes to battery life. Both cases can last up to 30 hours if you use the charging case, which is nice for long-haul flights or if you forget to recharge them before stepping out for the day. It's their listening time that separates the two: The AirPods 4 last five hours with ANC mode off, while the AirPods Pro 2 last six hours with ANC off. Keep in mind that the battery life reduces when ANC mode, Spatial Audio and Head Tracking are turned on, too.
Note that the silicone ear tips on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (left) come in multiple sizes so you can ... More find a comfortable fit and seal. Rebecca Isaacs for Forbes
That may not seem like a big difference, but something to keep in mind if you plan to travel, especially across country. Most transatlantic flights last around six hours, and international flights can take even longer. And, if you're using them while you're waiting to board your flight, that shaves off more battery life. If battery life is the most important to you, then the AirPods Pro 2 should be your choice. However, if you plan to casually use these around town or on a commute, the AirPods 4 are sufficient for those needs. AirPods 4 Versus AirPods Pro 2: Price One Offers Excellent Value
Apple's AirPods 4 cost $129 before a sale. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 cost significantly more and retail for $249 before a sale. Note that you can usually find both models on sale many times throughout the year, though.
If you're seeking great value for the price, the Apple AirPods 4 should be your choice. However, that extra cost on the Apple AirPods Pro 2 comes with extra features that reflect the higher price tag. It's up to you whether that extra $130 is worth your investment based on your needs and usage. AirPods 4 Vs. AirPods Pro 2: Verdict Depends On Your Needs
If you're trying to decide which pair of AirPods to use as your daily carry, you can't go wrong with either: Both offer impressive audio quality, a solid battery life and a lovely design. Still, there are notable differences between them. For one, the AirPods 4 have ANC, but they don't have the silicone ear tip. Still, for value seekers, I recommend opting for the AirPods 4 With ANC. They offer excellent ANC, especially for the price, and the design is good enough for most people's needs.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are better suited to those who want or need the extras, from the enhanced ANC, in part thanks to the silicone ear tips, to the Hearing Aid feature. While the case may be a little larger, it's not a deal-breaker for the extra hour of battery life, either. For audiophiles who want the best audio quality in a pair of AirPods, especially those with minor hearing loss, just opt for the AirPods Pro 2. Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team has published hundreds of tech and electronics guides that leverage our hands-on testing and research. We also have specialized audio stories for all of your listening needs like wireless headphones , wireless earbuds , outdoor speakers and more. Consumer tech and electronics editor Rebecca Isaacs has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. In her time testing the AirPods 4 versus the AirPods Pro 2, she focused on aspects of interest to everyone, from casual listeners to serious audiophiles who want to enjoy every single guitar strum across a truly balanced EQ.
has been involved in tech journalism for over six years. In her time testing the AirPods 4 versus the AirPods Pro 2, she focused on aspects of interest to everyone, from casual listeners to serious audiophiles who want to enjoy every single guitar strum across a truly balanced EQ. Isaacs has also tested most of the latest smart wearables currently on the market, from the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses to the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds and more. When she's not testing audio equipment and wearables, she's testing the best gaming TVs and TVs for bright rooms .
to the and more. When she's not testing audio equipment and wearables, she's testing the and . This article was edited by Forbes Vetted commerce editor Christine Colby. She has more than five years of product testing and recommendations experience and recently spearheaded the intensive testing process of the best patio umbrellas.
We regularly revisit our content to reevaluate product selections, add new testing insights and more. We updated this article in July 2025 to retest the Apple AirPods Pro 2 against the Apple AirPods 4, and considered features including audio quality, battery life, price and more.
Are AirPods 4 Better Than AirPods Pro 2?
It depends on what you're looking for in your next pair of AirPods. If you're seeking a casual pair of earbuds, then the AirPods 4 are better than the AirPods Pro 2. They have a great audio quality and a solid battery life that punches well above their price range. That said, if you're an audiophile, then I would recommend opting for the AirPods Pro 2.
Are AirPods Pro 2 Worth The Money?
Again, it depends on your needs. Because they're $249 before a sale, they're pricier than the AirPods 4, which cost $170 before a sale. If you want top audio quality, a longer battery life and want to use the FDA-authorized Hearing Aid feature, they are absolutely worth the money. That said, if you plan to casually listen to music and podcasts and don't need the Hearing Aid feature, then they may be overkill.
Is It Worth Upgrading To AirPods 4?
It depends on what model of AirPods you're using. The AirPods 4 with ANC feature a longer battery life and an enhanced audio quality from previous models of AirPods. There's also another model below them, the AirPods 4, which doesn't offer any ANC. If you decide that ANC is a must-have, then I recommend picking up a pair of AirPods 4. However, if you don't think you'd use ANC or are a casual listener with a pair of last-gen AirPods that work just fine, then your current pair of AirPods are the ones you should stick with for now.
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